Springer Opera House
Here Edwin Booth played Hamlet, February 15, 1876, on his first Southern tour after the War. “Blind Tom” Bethune, the Negro musical prodigy born near Columbus, performed here often. Oscar Wilde and Williams Jennings Bryan lectured here; John L. Sullivan, the world champion gave a boxing exhibition, and Mrs. John Drew, grandmother of the Barrymores, starred in She Stoops to Conquer. Here, in 1928, Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered a “Happy Warrior” speech in behalf of presidential nominee, Al Smith.
In 1902 the Springer sons completely renovated their opera house. From that time until it became a movie house in 1941, the Springer continued to be the city’s cultural center.
In 1959 the Springer closed and in the Spring of 1964, The Columbus Little Theater Opera House Trustees was formed to prevent its destruction. On October 6, 1965, The Little Theater’s musical production of St. Elmo, based upon the Victorian novel by Columbus-born author, Augusta Evans Wilson, was presented amidst the Springer’s restored Victorian splendor.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1844.
Location. 32° 27.892′ N, 84° 59.491′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. Marker is at the intersection of 10th Street and First Avenue, on the right when traveling west on 10th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 10th Street, Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ladies Defender (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Hospitals (within shouting distance of this marker); POW✯MIA Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Jacket (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Georgia's Woman Suffrage Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Primus King and the Civil Rights Movement (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Thomas H. Brewer (about 300 feet away); Columbus Symphony Orchestra (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Regarding Springer Opera House. The Springer Opera House was named "The Official Opera House of Georgia" by
Also see . . . Springer Opera House - Wikipedia. (Submitted on September 11, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,580 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 10, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
